# Lunch Actually vs Merlin Dating

The clearest difference is rating: Merlin Dating at 5.0 against Lunch Actually's 1.0. Merlin Dating also leads on ratings volume (7 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). Lunch Actually's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and review sentiment (64% vs 31%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merlin Dating sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Lunch Actually asks for nothing beyond the download.

Merlin Dating holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 7 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of Lunch Actually's written reviews are positive against 31% of Merlin Dating's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Lunch Actually ships an update every 3 weeks, Merlin Dating every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lunch Actually | Merlin Dating |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lunch-actually/id1496567993/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-dating/id1532219463/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **7** |
| Positive reviews | **63.9% of reviews** | 30.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 174 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Lunch Actually Pte Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1031134937) | [Ivan Limarev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532219465) |

## What reviewers say

### Lunch Actually

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lunch-actually/id1496567993)

This service connects verified, working professionals for personalized dating experiences. It offers matchmaking services, dating advice, and aims to facilitate meaningful connections leading to successful relationships.

**Highlights:** Verified professional singles, Personalized matchmaking, Dating consultants, Date and appointment tracking, Dating advice and articles, High date satisfaction rate

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Merlin Dating

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-dating/id1532219463)

This AI-powered dating assistant analyzes photos to predict compatibility and relationship potential. It offers personalized dating tips to help users navigate conversations and dates, aiming to reduce anxiety and build confidence for successful relationships.

**Highlights:** AI-powered compatibility analysis, Predicts relationship potential (flirting, short-term, long-term, family), Personalized dating tips, Analyzes personality from photos, Reduces dating anxiety and boosts confidence, Works across other apps

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PLUS for a month | $1.99 | per month |
| GOLD subscription for a month | $6.99 | per month |
| PLUS for a year | $7.99 | per year |
| PLATINUM -50% for a month | $7.99 | per month |
| GOLD subscription for a year | $14.99 | per year |
| PLATINUM for a month | $14.99 | per month |
| PLATINUM -50% for a half year | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| Half-year subscription GOLD | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| PLATINUM for a year | $29.99 | per year |
| PLATINUM -50% for a year | $29.99 | per year |
| Half-year PLATINUM subs. | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| Celebrity compatibility | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Unique and innovative concept for compatibility analysis
- 🎯 Accurate personality trait recognition
- 👥 Helpful for understanding relationship compatibility
- 🧠 Precise character analysis and descriptions
- 💬 Useful tool for assessing people in relationships and friendships

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- ⏳ Constant loading issues and hanging screens
- 🔐 Authentication problems and SMS code failures
- 📱 Poor technical implementation despite good concept
- 💰 Subscription model with non-functional features

**Reported bugs**

- App hangs on loading screen indefinitely
- Bio questions cause app to freeze completely
- SMS verification codes not arriving
- Code length mismatch (6-digit request vs 4-digit SMS)
- Photos rejected despite meeting requirements

**Requested features**

- Swipe-based photo navigation instead of scrolling
- Descriptions for personality trait characteristics
- Profile deletion option
- Ability to view previous analysis without re-uploading
- Improved language and account persistence across sessions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lunch Actually free?

Lunch Actually is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Merlin Dating free?

Merlin Dating is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Lunch Actually or Merlin Dating?

Merlin Dating is rated higher. Lunch Actually averages 1.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Merlin Dating averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do Lunch Actually or Merlin Dating have ads?

Neither Lunch Actually nor Merlin Dating shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lunch Actually or Merlin Dating?

Lunch Actually ships an update every 3 weeks, and Merlin Dating every 2 weeks. Most recently, Lunch Actually was updated on October 24, 2026 and Merlin Dating on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*